vet selection for surgery

Question
Hello,  I need to find a veterinarian that is specialized or experience in anal sac removal for a dog.  I've asked friends with no luck. Is there some way to find a vet with lots of experience in this procedure, an unbiased reference?

Thanks for your advice.

Sincerely,

Kim Lysobey

Answer
Hi Kim,
Thanks for your question. I would say that any good, experienced veterinarian should be able to perform an anal sac removal. It is a fairly simple procedure in most cases. Did your regular veterinarian or the doctor that diagnosed your dog's problem say that they couldn't perform the surgery? If so, I would have expected that they would refer you to someone they feel is better qualified. You may be able to find a veterinary surgeon in your area - a veterinarian who specializes in general surgery, much like many MD's do. Another option is to find an established veterinary hospital in your area, and make an appointment to speak with a veterinarian. You can ask questions about steps they will take to keep your dog safe during surgery, the kind of training the veterinary staff receives, and if they are experienced in this procedure. They should be able to make you feel more comfortable. If you'd like, I can try to help you some more if you'll tell me what area you are in. You can usually find good information about veterinary clinics in your area online.
I hope this helps some! Let me know if you have any more questions.
Ashley